Police at 53 Division are warning owners of Lexus and Toyota SUVs to get their cars locked and, if at all possible, into garages. Detectives are not sure whether the gang of thieves stealing these vehicles in the area, including South Bayview, have access to electronic devices which can compromise an SUV’s security system. But there has been a spike in the theft of these vehicles and the dirty work is being done smoothly. There is no sign of damage at any of the scenes. It began in January. Investigators are asking members of the public to be vigilant when securing their SUVs, even in their driveways. Using a locked garage is recommended and any spare keys for SUVs should be kept in a safe location.
SIX DISAPPEARED ONE NIGHT IN 2009
They also ask people to report what they see. Suspicious cars patrolling the neighborhood or anyone lingering near a car. All of this is too similar to the night six years ago of the big Toyota sweep: Toyota thefts recall 2009 heist of six Highlanders It is still unsolved. There is a very sophisticated organization at work. They have inside knowledge of the vehicles and how to get them out of the country. These cars are popular abroad and unlike U.S. trademarks such as GM and Ford the Japanese cars blend right into the local scene.
